Injuries are a part of any contact sport. Serious or life threatening injury in Rugby is, however, rare. The outcome of many injuries can often be improved by very simple first aid skills from bystanders until emergency help arrives.
Injuries will, however, still occur, and for the majority of the Rugby-playing world there is little qualified medical support available pitch side. Thus, first aid responsibility may fall to bystanders until more experienced medical support arrives. Such bystanders may be parents, club officials, coaches, referees or even other players.
As part of the Chiang Mai Cobras Continuing Education Program, on the 31st March the Cobras hosted a World Rugby First Aid (level 1) course at our Clubhouse, the Welcome Inn Restaurant and Bar.
The session was facilitated by World Rugby Educator and Thai Rugby Union doctor, Dr. Pongson Yaicharoen. The focus of the course was on rugby related first aid and the course is recommended for all teams that play contact rugby.
Discussions ranged from the DR ABC, Danger, Response, Airways, Breathing, Circulation, to MILS, Manual In Line Stabilization to areas of limb injuries, emergency rolls, breathing and choking response, CPR, AED usage, Chest injuries, lung injuries, cyanosis, bleeding both external and internal, shock, head and spinal injuries, seizures and limb injuries. The course was presented in a discussion format with practical applications and an examination.
Overall, a very informative course with a knowledgeable and impressive instructor. The course has applications to not only club administrators but players as well. Thanks to all that attended and to Welcome Inn and Thai Rugby Union for making this possible.
